[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 21, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H9959-H9961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COLONEL MARY LOUISE RASMUSON CAMPUS OF THE ALASKA VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
ACT OF 2022
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (S. 5016) to designate the medical center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs located in Anchorage, Alaska, as the ``Colonel Mary
Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System'', and for
other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
S. 5016
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson
Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System Act of 2022''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Mary Louise (Milligan) Rasmuson was born April 11,
1911, in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(2) Mary Louise received a Bachelor of Science degree from
the Carnegie Institute of Technology and a Master of
Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
(3) Mary Louise was one of the first two women to receive
an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from the Carnegie
Institute of Technology.
(4) In 1942, Mary Louise joined the Women's Army Auxiliary
Corps as a Private and was in the first graduating class.
(5) Mary Louise worked up the ranks, and in 1957, President
Dwight Eisenhower appointed Mary Louise as the Fifth Director
of the Women's Army Corps and she was reappointed to this
position by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
(6) In 1962, Colonel Rasmuson retired from the Army.
(7) Colonel Rasmuson was recognized for her outstanding
service in the Women's Army Corps with the Legion of Merit
award with two Oak Leaf Clusters for her work in expanding
the roles and duties of women in the Army, as well as her
role in integrating Black women in the Women's Army Corps.
(8) Colonel Rasmuson became Director of the Women's Army
Corps during tumultuous times and is credited with enhancing
the image and recruitment of women into the Women's Army
Corps during her years as the Director.
(9) Colonel Rasmuson expanded opportunities for women to
serve in assignments previously reserved only for men,
starting with the assignments of 12 enlisted women into the
First Missile Master Unit at Fort Meade, Maryland.
(10) Colonel Rasmuson was instrumental in enabling women to
be promoted above the grade of E-7 into the highest enlisted
ranks of the Army, E-8 and E-9.
(11) During her time in the Women's Army Corps, Colonel
Rasmuson was the guiding force behind the Army opening up the
college enlistment option to women under the self-enhancement
programs and witnessed the first female enlisted member
attend college under those programs.
(12) The career of Colonel Rasmuson also laid the
groundwork for women to be fully integrated into the United
States Army when the Women's Army Corps was disbanded in
1978.
(13) In 1961, Mary Louise married a prominent leader in
Alaska, Elmer E. Rasmuson, and she was the first Director of
the Women's Army Corps to be married while serving in that
position.
(14) After her retirement from military service in 1962,
Mary Louise moved to Alaska where she continued her
leadership as a veteran in her community in Alaska.
(15) Mary Louise served as First Lady of Anchorage after
the devastating magnitude 9.2 earthquake in 1964, after her
husband, Elmer, was elected as mayor, serving from 1964 to
1967.
(16) Mary Louise was an advocate of social justice,
education, and the arts during her 45 years of work on the
Board of the Rasmuson Foundation.
(17) Mary Louise served as the Honorary Chair and was a
major founder to renovate the Anchorage Veterans Memorial on
the Delaney Parkstrip in downtown Anchorage.
(18) Mary Louise also contributed to the Army Women's
Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the
National Museum of the United States Army.
(19) Mary Louise was the Chair of the Anchorage Museum
Foundation and helped establish the museum in Anchorage,
serving as its Chair for 21 years.
(20) On July 30, 2012, Mary Louise died at her home in
Anchorage, at the age of 101, but her legacy of character and
leadership will endure as an example to all who serve in the
United States military.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF COLONEL MARY LOUISE RASMUSON CAMPUS OF
THE ALASKA VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.
(a) Designation.--The medical center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs in Anchorage, Alaska, shall, after the date
of the enactment of this Act, be known and designated as the
``Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA
Healthcare System''.
(b) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be
considered to be a reference to the Colonel Mary Louise
Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Takano) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and to insert extraneous material on S. 5016.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
[[Page H9960]]
There was no objection.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Colonel Mary Louise
Rasmuson, an Army veteran, a tireless advocate for women
servicemembers, and a decades-long champion of women's and civil
rights.
The bill before us, S. 5016, would appropriately name VA's medical
center in Anchorage, Alaska, the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of
the Alaska VA Healthcare System.
I thank Senator Murkowski for her work on this bill in the Senate,
and my colleague, Representative Peltola, for leading this effort in
the House. Colonel Rasmuson was born in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
in 1911. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from the
Women's College at Carnegie Mellon University, and later earned a
master's degree in school administration from the University of
Pittsburgh.
Soon after, Colonel Rasmuson became one of the first two women ever
to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from the Carnegie
Institute of Technology, anticipating a long career ahead of breaking
barriers for women.
In 1942, Colonel Rasmuson enlisted in the World War II effort,
joining the Women's Army Corps as a private. Thanks to her diligent
service, she quickly worked her way up through the ranks and, in 1957,
President Dwight Eisenhower appointed Colonel Rasmuson as the fifth
director of the Women's Army Corps.
In her capacity as director, she pushed for the integration of Black
women into the Army, while working to change laws which denied women
promotion opportunities and service credits. During her tenure, for the
first time, women were authorized for appointments at the highest
enlisted ranks of the Army, E-8 and E-9.
Colonel Rasmuson would be reappointed as director of the Women's Army
Corps in 1961 by President Kennedy before retiring from the Army in
1962. For her valuable service as director, she earned the prestigious
Legion of Medal award with two Oak Leaf clusters, in recognition of her
brave contribution to female servicemembers.
In retirement, she moved to Alaska with her husband, Elmer Rasmuson,
serving as first lady of Anchorage from 1964 to 1967 during her
husband's mayorship.
Afterward, Colonel Rasmuson served for 45 years on the board of the
Rasmuson Foundation, directing more than $200 million in grants to
Alaskan nonprofit organizations, veterans' memorials, and educational
services.
On July 30, 2012, Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson passed away at her
home in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 101. Thanks to her lifelong
leadership, she will always be remembered for the lasting impact she
left on the U.S. Army, pushing it ever-closer to gender equality.
Indeed, it was thanks to her impactful work as director of the
Women's Army Corps that, in 1978, this segregated branch of the United
States Army was disbanded, integrating all female and male units into
one cohesive force.
While the fight for gender equality for our servicemembers and
veterans continues, Colonel Rasmuson's leadership reminds us of the
great strides our country has made toward justice, freedom, and
equality for all.
S. 5016 has letters of support from several veterans service
organizations, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
and Disabled American Veterans.
Madam Speaker, I include in the Record these letters of support.
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, November 8, 2022.
Chairman Jon Tester
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Mark Takano
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Jerry Moran
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Mike Bost
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Tester, Ranking Member Moran, Chairman
Takano, and Ranking Member Bost: We, the members of the
Alaska delegation, write to recommend renaming the Alaska
Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Muldoon Road Campus in
Anchorage, Alaska to honor the legacy of Colonel Mary Louise
Rasmuson.
Colonel Rasmuson was an exception leader throughout her
distinguished military career. After retiring, she continued
to tirelessly serve Alaska and the veteran community in many
remarkable ways.
Whereas the VA system only has three clinics named after
women and Alaska boasts the most veterans per capita in the
nation, we can find no better way to honor Colonel Rasmuson,
her family, and most importantly, our veterans in Alaska.
Renaming the center after Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson is
fitting and deserved recognition for such an exemplary
veteran and American hero. Thank you for your consideration
of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Lisa Murkowski,
United States Senator.
Dan Sullivan,
United States Senator.
Mary Sattler Peltola,
Representative for All Alaska.
____
The American Legion,
Department of Alaska,
Anchorage, Alaska, August 22, 2022.
To Alaska's Congressional Delegation: The American Legion,
Department of Alaska, fully supports the State of Alaska's
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Alaska VA
Medical Center's Director Mr. Thomas Steinbrunner's request
to rename the Alaska VA Medical Center to the Colonel Mary
Louise Rasmuson VA Campus.
Colonel Rasmuson dedicated her time and energy to her
military career and to her Alaska communities. She served
with great honour. It would be a privilege for Alaska to have
the Alaska VA Medical Center named in her behalf.
Sincerely,
Deborah Davis,
Department Commander.
____
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS,
Department of Alaska,
Veterans Administration Medical Center,
Anchorage, AK.
Letter of Support:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Alaska is honored to
support the redesignation of the VA Medical Campus to
recognize Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson. Her many
accomplishments and support to veterans is well known.
We of the Alaska VFW are eager to lend our support in any
way. Let's do what's necessary to cement her legacy.
Troy D. Eck,
Commander, Department of Alaska.
____
KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA'S VETERANS,
September 2, 2022.
Dear Secretary McDonough: What an honor and privilege to
recommend the Anchorage VA Campus be renamed ``Colonel Mary
Louise Rasmuson VA Campus''.
Colonel Rasmuson paved the way for our military female who
serve our country today. Mary Louise did so much for Alaska
Military and Veterans while she was alive, and even though
she is no longer with us, her legacy continues through a
trust fund that continues to bring light to our Military and
Veterans here in Alaska.
The Alaska DAV is proud to be Veterans that stands and
recommend this change immediately.
Pamela F. Beale,
Commander, Metro Chapter 7.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly support this bill, and I
urge all my colleagues to do the same.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 5016, a bill to
designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs
located in Anchorage, Alaska, as the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson
Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System.
Mary Louise Rasmuson was born, as was said earlier, in April 1911 in
East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During World War II, she answered the
Nation's call and enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps as a
private. She became one of the first women to serve in that role.
Having quickly risen through the ranks, President Eisenhower
appointed Colonel Rasmuson as the Director of the Women's Army Corps.
Colonel Rasmuson was instrumental in the integration of Black women
into the Women's Army Corps and was awarded the Legion of Merit for
leadership. At her direction, she also expanded opportunities for women
to serve in assignments previously reserved only for men. She also
advocated for new avenues for women to advance their military careers.
After serving for over 20 years in the Army, she retired in July of
1962 and moved to Alaska, where she continued
[[Page H9961]]
to serve her community as a veteran. Colonel Rasmuson engaged in
several efforts to preserve the veterans' stories in museums and
memorials around the country until she passed away in 2012 at the age
of 101. Now, her story of service will be told for generations.
Colonel Rasmuson not only paved the way for successful integration of
women into what is now our U.S. Army, she also was a role model of
character and outstanding service to our Nation.
Naming the VA facility in Alaska in her honor is a fitting tribute.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Alaska (Mrs. Peltola), my friend and a strong supporter of this piece
of legislation, which is fitting as someone who has broken barriers
herself in supporting this legislation of someone who broke barriers
for the U.S. military.
{time} 1645
Mrs. PELTOLA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 5016, the
Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System
Act.
Colonel Rasmuson was an inspiration and driving force for advancing
the role of women in the military and engaging in critical community
service. Her presence was felt in every community she touched, and her
legacy has lived on for future generations.
In 1942, as the United States engaged in World War II, Mary Louise
Rasmuson wanted to serve her country and joined the Women's Army
Auxiliary Corps. She was part of their first graduating class and laid
the groundwork for millions of women to come.
As she continued her military career, Colonel Rasmuson soared through
the ranks and took on multiple leadership roles in the Army. In 1957,
she was appointed as the fifth director of the Women's Army Corps and
was appointed again in 1961 by President Kennedy. Colonel Rasmuson
retired from the Army in 1962, but her legacy and community impact
expanded well beyond these years.
Following her military retirement, Mary Louise Rasmuson moved to
Alaska, where she was a monumental philanthropist and pivotal member of
the community. She secured funding for dozens of programs to support
Alaskans, most notably for the Anchorage Museum.
Most importantly, Colonel Rasmuson was a strong leader for veterans,
especially female veterans, assisting them in securing their benefits.
This bill is a perfect tribute to Mary in many ways. It highlights
her dedication to veterans in Alaska, philanthropic work, and deep
commitment to improving the lives of all Alaskans.
This bill would designate the Department of Veterans Affairs medical
center in Anchorage as the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the
Alaska VA Healthcare System, a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so
much to the veterans of Alaska.
I thank Chairman Takano, Ranking Member Bost, and leadership on both
sides for scheduling this bill. I also thank Senators Murkowski and
Sullivan for sponsoring and securing its passage in the Senate.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this
bill, as everyone has spoken about how this needs to be, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in
passing S. 5016, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, S. 5016.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________